The outpatient comes in from the cold

We're enjoying a nice evening in front of Oceans Thirteen with a couple of VO pizzas. Amy made the trek to Boston today to pick Tim up and bring him home for a long weekend. Before returning they did some Christmas shopping at the Galleria Cambridge Side, at Tim's request. It's been a long week with minimum communication between us, but I'm sure we'll get caught up tomorrow and I can make a progress report later this weekend..

I had a lot of opportunities to be out and about in the community this week, and was continuously amazed by how many people asked "how's Tim?" I'll never get tired of answering that question and am humbled by how many people are keeping tabs on Tim and his progress and praying and rooting for his recovery. Following is one great example.

On Tuesday, I had some of our neighbors from the National Shrine of Divine Mercy http://www.marian.org/ join me for a Christmas season lunch at the Inn. It was a business lunch, to thank them for their contribution to the unique character of Stockbridge and, of course, in appreciation of the visitors - "pilgrims" - they draw to town. Carol, Fr. Michael and Fr. Victor showed up, and during the meal presented me with two gifts for Tim - an olive wood "comfort cross" and a copper magnetic bracelet, both blessed by Fr. Victor - and the news that they, and many others in a world wide prayer chain, had been praying for Tim since hearing about the accident this summer. Tonight, Tim opened both gifts, putting on the bracelet and declaring that he liked the feel of the cross, clearly appreciative of the thought. Also in the mail bag from this week were nice cards from the O'Malleys and Aunt Merrilyn, both of whom have been steady communicators, with just the right words.

These types of gestures and stories come to us in many forms and from people with a variety of beliefs and faith backgrounds, and I can't help but feel that we've ended up in the middle of something quite powerful - a community of people around the world pulling in unison for one young man, whom most have never met. I am energized by it, and although it might sound hokey, I guess I'm having one of those experiences where my faith in humanity is fortified. I hope that you all can feel that, too.